Events to mark 40th Anniversary of the collapse of the Tasman Bridge

Events to mark 40th Anniversary of the collapse of the Tasman Bridge

As part of the 40th Anniversary of the collapse of the Tasman Bridge in which 12 people tragically lost their lives, a series of activities will be undertaken on Monday 5th of January 2015 to mark the event.

As part of the 40th Anniversary of the collapse of the Tasman Bridge in which 12 people tragically lost their lives, a series of activities will be undertaken on Monday 5th of January 2015 to mark the event.

These activities will include the opening of an exhibition on the bridge disaster at the Rosny Barn and culminate in a minutes silence being held on the Tasman Bridge at 9.27 pm, to mark the precise moment of impact 40 years ago.

A plaque will be unveiled on the bridge and the communities of Hobart and Clarence will be invited to reflect on the disaster at approximately 9.27 pm when the lights on the bridge will be dimmed to allow for the minutes silence. The activities are part of a joint initiative between the City of Hobart and the City of Clarence.

Lord Mayor Sue Hickey and Mayor Doug Chipman said the aim was to focus not only on the disaster itself, but also highlight the impacts the loss of the bridge had on life in greater Hobart, particularly those in the City of Clarence.

“This was a significant event in the history of Hobart and Clarence and so it is appropriate that it is marked with a formal commemoration,” Lord Mayor Hickey and Mayor Chipman said.

“The events of January 5, 1975 changed the fabric of Hobart and Clarence, in particular those things we now take for granted such as access to healthcare, education as well as how we work.”

Tasmania Police will be closing the Tasman Bridge between 9.15pm and 9.35pm for the ceremony to occur and will result in a slightly extended ‘vessel transit’ style closure of 20 minutes.

Police will attend to manage traffic and will stop or direct traffic away from the event route, while also providing access across the Tasman Bridge for emergency service vehicles as required.

Any traffic related queries should be directed to Tasmania Police Radio Dispatch Services, 62 302111.